Photo from MCPL.

No more rollback

The WMATA Board authorized installing rollback protection in the 5000-series rail cars. This will prevent crashes like the 2004 Woodley Park incident where an empty train rolled back into one with passengers at the platform.  

Anti-transit GOP

Maryland Republicans’ plan for the state’s budget includes cutting funding for WMATA. Because getting people to work is not a conservative value. (Newschannel 8, Michael P)  

Not another parking lot

A development plan for the closed Bruce Monroe Elementary in Columbia Heights is delayed from the economy. The Deputy Mayor’s office wanted to turn it into a pay surface parking lot, but neighbors preferred some “temporary urbanism” like a park, temporary buildings with computer labs, or a farmers’ market. Between neighbor opposition and Jim Graham, the Deputy Mayor has now backed down.  

Parking full, no Metro for you

A Dr. Gridlock letter writer’s daughter can’t use Metro because the parking lots fill up early in the morning. Worse yet, you can’t tell if there’s room before entering and paying. The doc suggests some lots to try; this is also a good reason WMATA should set rates per-lot to equalize supply and demand. (Get There)  

Farmers markets may become accessible to poor

WIC vouchers, which let low-income single mothers buy healthy produce, will now work at farmers’ markets if states and markets participate. Unfortunately, Virginia declined, and DC only has one training, in Greenbelt, meaning many DC markets are likely to remain unavailable. (DC Food For All)  

Bixi pix

BeyondDC recently took a trip to Montreal and has photos of Bixi, the largest North American bike sharing system, and one system DC might use. (BeyondDC)  

Leggett again chooses against walkability

County Executive Ike Leggett has decided to keep the Wheaton Library in an unwalkable area, reconstructing it in its current location instead of moving it to downtown Wheaton as the Sector Plan calls for.